GoGetEm Loc: Oregon

Hi, new to the site and new to boat ownership. 21' Starcraft with high walls, 150HP main with a 15HP kicker with VHF, bilge pump, fish finder, Garmin maps and Lowrance radar. Have heard horror stories as well as amazing success crossing the bar to fish. Wondering for a newbie what you all would recommend as far as tide, weather, wind and wave conditions to cross safely and back. I monitor the MANY web sites for buoy reports and wind forecasts that have been suggested but those are just info and without advise on how to use that info it's just a report. Love some advise on what combo of swell, period and wind should I use as a guideline for a comfortable trip?

1)Would love some input on best tides to head out of the bar and back in to the marina are (low slack, high slack, etc.)

2)What max wind speeds and directions you would not go out on based on size of boat and being new

3)What wave heights and timing you would say should be max and not test going out in

4) Tips on heading out and back riding the waves

5) Any other advise or tips worth taking in to consideration...want to fish and have fun but want safety first.

Thanks in advance!

Maid Marion Loc: Corvallis, OR

My advice; talk to Coast Gaurd , they're just east of the bridge, town side. They've seen it all and would rather answer questions than go find you later. No one knows the bay better.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Welcome to the stage GGE.Hope you enjoy it here as much as the rest of us do
Hopefully someone will come along shortly and be able to answer your questions.
It shows your responsibility and respect for bein a new boat owner.
You could always try to follow someone else out the first few times. Guys in bigger boats can smooth out some of the rougher water for you. That can help build confidence as well. The more you do it the better you will get at it. 🙂👍

By the way, NICE RIG ya got there.

Jeremy Loc: America

Welcome to Fishingstage. You are asking all the right questions. Be safe. Once you get answers to your questions you will know and be safe. Marine Forecast is going to be your best friend. Nice Boat.

Jeremy Loc: America

Exactly the right thing to do. They are a great US Military. I know I am a very fortunate man to live here.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

By all means get the info from the proper authorities out your way. Not much I could tell you for our waters are different as well as our craft. Especially now that i am a kayaker.

Once you acquired the info you seek, I would strongly advise to take an experienced boater with you for a trial run or two.

Best of luck in your new hobby and please keep us informed how it is coming along.

GLA Loc: WA State

Keep an eye on the weather, warning flags, other boats etc. Respect the water. Been out many times, and the weather can turn rather quickly. Not a bad bar, as far as crossing goes, but as others have stated, be cautious and safe.

Jeremy Loc: America

Exactly. You may of heard the ol saying here. If you don't like the weather in Oregon.....wait 10 minutes you may then enjoy it.

VHF Radio is a must with a large antenna on hull. With the radio you will get instant info.

Jim Kay Loc: Franklin, Virginia

Send us photos.

Sueltame Loc: Oregon/Washington/Cabo, Mx

The start of a lot of fun adventures, but no amount of fish is worth your life.
I grew up fishing over the Columbia River Bar and still maintain the same rules for safety:
Besides all of the obvious safety precautions such as lifejackets, sounding device , VHF radio, back up GPS service such as on your phone , I never go out without my anchor and at least 300 feet of line and 20 feet of chain for your size boat.

I always check the wind ,weather and wave conditions and if concerned call the Coast Guard on channel 22 for a bar report before heading out.

I prefer to tagalong or lead another boat on the way out as well as when you are coming back in. I prefer to choose tides where you have an incoming tide early in the morning, and get your fishing done before the wind comes up and come across the bar at Highwater slack or while the current is still coming in.

I have crossed bars from Alaska to panama several times over the years in my own boat and others and this advice has never failed me with a few exceptions of a Southwest blow on the incoming tide. It’s usually the Westerly northwest , Or even north wind against a strong ebb tide that creates the short and big waves. Listen to the Coast Guard weather report for bar conditions even when you’re at home and you will soon discover The patterns of the weather during the summer and late fall.

Ideally I like to see a doubling of the wave height and of the swell. For instance 4 foot swell at least eight seconds apart, better yet 4 foot swell 10 seconds apart. Watch the weather report for days before you go out and the days after you are going out to see what the pattern is going to be and what the pattern has been in the previous several days.

I have had many beautiful trips with buddies and my family including when they were young children from northern BC to southern Oregon and given the right conditions such as I just explained, we have had many wonderful successful trips. Usually the ones that aren’t so much fun is as a result of staying out too late or pushing the envelope and violating my own rules.

It’s not always good luck , it’s more good seamanship that will add to your successful trips. Have fun and be safe.

kyle1234 Loc: Roseville. Ca

Really good advice! It's nice to see so many thoughtful boaters on the Stage!

johnlmac Loc: Salem OR

Depot Bay might be an easier way to get out in the ocean. Not much of a bar to cross but the wind could be a problem on any day.

Maid Marion Loc: Corvallis, OR

Very narrow target and not a sraight shot IMO, not the best place to learn your boat. Yaquina is kinder to newbys.

GoGetEm Loc: Oregon

Thank you to all so far I am truly appreciative and will keep researching and monitoring reports and welcome any and all additional info and reccos'

johnlmac Loc: Salem OR

Depot Bay is narrower but bigger boats make it in and out with ease. I have been out several times through both ports and I would prefer Depot Bay. The swell is much smaller and sometimes none at all. Newport has a very tuff bar with swells of 9' + for a much longer distance.